Tech Trends

News & Opinion

Lack of Airplane, Auto Chargers a Problem for
MacBook Pro Users

PowerPage's Jason O'Grady reports:

"Stanford Law Professor Lawrence Lessig has started an excellent
discussion on the Apple Discussion forums about the lack of a good
airplane charge solution of the MacBook Pro. It looks like Apple
needs to take some action on this issue or risk losing a lot of
frequent flying potential MBP sales."

Early MacBook Pros Hit by Battery Glitch?

The Register's Tony Smith reports:

"Apple has apparently added battery problems to the list of woes
potentially affecting its MacBook Pro notebook family. Online
reports allege a small number of early versions of the Intel-based
machines may have shipped with troublesome batteries. Apple is said
to be replacing the power units on a customer-by-customer
basis."

MacBook Pro Temperature Monitor

The Apple Core's Jason D. O'Grady reports:

"There is now a way to read the internal temperature of the
MacBook Pro, something no other software has been able to do to
date. A creative developer has figured out a way to get data from
the internal monitors via a kernel extension (kext)."

Tech Tips and Info

"If your battery gets low when using an application that fills
the entire display on a portable Mac (that is, the Mac OS X menu
bar is not visible), you will not see the low battery alert
warning. This article applies to Mac OS X 10.2 or later on an
iBook, PowerBook, or MacBook Pro computer.

"When this happens, your built-in keyboard and trackpad may
become unresponsive.

"Solution

"Simply connect your computer to an AC outlet to recharge the
battery. If your AC adapter is not handy, connect an external
keyboard and mouse to your computer to see and dismiss the low
battery alert (after which your built-in keyboard will work)."

Reviews

Products and Services

XLR8 MAChSpeed CPU Upgrade for 12"
PowerBooks

PR: Daystar Technology has expanded its offerings for the
award-winning XLR8 MAChSpeed G4 Upgrade Series. Effective today,
Daystar has expanded its new line of PowerBook G4 Aluminum CPU
upgrades to include the popular 12" PowerBook G4. Daystar has also
added low-power choices, restructured pricing, and now includes
free shipping.

New 12" PowerBook Upgrade Options.

The new MAChSpeed G4 Upgrade for the 12" PowerBook allows any
12" Aluminum PowerBook (1.0 GHz or above) to be upgraded to the
latest 1.67 GHz speeds. The upgrade doubles the size of the
internal cache on the early PowerBooks, and also delivers up to 60%
more speed. Like other XLR8 PowerBook CPU upgrades, the 12" version
is factory installed by Daystar's Apple Certified Technicians.

Running Cooler and Faster.

The PowerBook Aluminum upgrades are now available in a variety
of speed options. The lower speed 1.67-1.75 GHz options allow users
to make substantial jumps in performance without sacrificing cool
running or longer battery life. The 1.92-2.0 GHz options deliver
extreme desktop-alternative performance and require AC power to
achieve maximum speed with heavy workloads. These high-end upgrades
easily surpass the Intel-based Macs in non-Universal Binary
applications like Photoshop, XPress, Flash and Premiere.

3-Way Shipping Included . . . Free.

Daystar has also simplified the 3-way shipping choices;

Container to customer,

PowerBook to Daystar

PowerBook back to customer.

Free US Ground shipping is now included. 3-way 2-day, 3-way
overnight and Daystar's Weekender service are available at an
additional cost.

XLR8 MAChSpeed G4 Aluminum Pricing

PowerBook G4 17: $399 to $449 for 1.75 GHz to 1.83 GHz

PowerBook G4 15: $399 to $549 for 1.75 GHz to 2.0 GHz

PowerBook G4 12: $449 for 1.67 GHz

3-way shipping, all parts, labor, testing and detailing is
included. Easy one step ordering is available online. Additional
information on Daystar Technology and XLR8 can be found via the
Daystar website.

Daystar Putting Final Touches on New Titanium
PowerBook CPU Upgrades

Daystar Technology's Gary Dailey tells me that Daystar/XLR8 is
putting the finishing touches on a new line of Titanium PowerBook
processor upgrades.

They will be announcing product for the Titanium DVIs first
(1.33 GHz upgrades), and are testing the solutions for the VGA
(550/667) and the higher end (867/1 GHz) TiBooks as well.

An announcement is expected soon.

TruePower Affordable High Capacity Battery for
Titanium PowerBook G4

PR: FastMac has announced it has begun shipping TruePower
laptop batteries for the PowerBook G4 Titanium. The TruePower
Titanium battery is priced at $99.95 and offers up to 48% more
capacity than the original.

All customers that placed preorders through the company's
website will receive their shipments in the next few days. FastMac
offers a variety of high-quality and high-capacity batteries for:
PowerBook G4 Aluminum (all models), iBook (all models), and
PowerBook G3/(WallStreet, Lombard, and Pismo).

The TruePower batteries start at an introductory price of $99.95
and offer up to 56% more capacity than the original. Select models
including the PowerBook G4 Titanium are now shipping. The TruePower
batteries are engineered using the highest quality, highest
capacity Lithium cells available. FastMac utilizes custom form
factors and materials to achieve a superior fit and finish,
matching the original battery while increasing capacity. Each
battery is individually tested and includes safety features to
protect against overcharge, short circuit, and power surges. All
TruePower laptop batteries come with a 1-year warranty and 30 day
money back guaranty.

PR: Newer Technology has released a new high-capacity
lithium-ion replacement battery for G3 and G4 12" iBooks.

Listen, watch and play longer between recharges with up to 50%
more capacity. Make your PowerBook or iBook even more powerful by
replacing the original battery or adding a spare. All Batteries are
brand-new with 1-year NewerTech Warranty.

FireWire 800 Express Card for 15" MacBook
Pro

An industry 1st FireWire 800/1394b 34mm Express
Card - the "ExpressWay Series". This new FireWire 800/1394b 34mm
Express Card allows you to easily connect your FireWire 800
peripherals to your ExpressCard slot. ExpressCard technology is
different than PCMCIA because it has an increased transfer rate and
better efficiency between the computer and external
peripherals.

This ExpressCard benefits you with 2 FireWire 800 slots (2
9-pin) connectors. You can use different cables to match your
particular FireWire peripherals depending on what you need. With
the FireWire 800 protocol you can get transfer rates of 100, 200,
400, and 800 Mbps

The first in an upcoming line of 34mm Express Card adapters, the
"ExpressWay" series brings its ($89.95) 2-port FireWire 800/1394b
Professional Express Card (34mm) FireWire 800 Adapter (2 9-pin
Connectors), which provides an easy and affordable way to add
FireWire 800 storage and devices to your Express Card-supported
laptop or desktop computer. It's a perfect fit for Apple's newest
laptop, the MacBook Pro, which supports only 34mm Express Cards,
but the sleek card also works perfectly with 54mm slot from vendors
like Dell and HP laptops.

ColorWare Colors Your MacBook Pro World

PR: If you want to add some color to your MacBook
Pro experience, ColorWare will be happy to give your laptop a color
makeover, or to sell you a brand new MacBook Pro in your choice
from their selection of custom shades (five solid colors and 18
metallics) in the company's proprietary X2 scratch-resistant,
UV-resistant coating material, at about $650 more than the regular
retail price.

Targus Expands Line of Notebook
Backpacks

PR: Targus Inc., maker of the world's best-selling
notebook cases and accessories, introduces four new notebook
backpacks designed to meet the needs of different lifestyles,
personalities and needs. Each style features a padded notebook
section that accommodates screen sizes up to 15.4 inches, mesh
lined shoulder straps and padded back panel for added comfort, and
a convenient carry handle.

"Backpacks are the fastest growing category in the notebook case
industry," said Michael Greco, director, U.S. product marketing for
Targus. "No longer does the notebook backpack cater solely to a
younger demographic. With more of corporate America shifting toward
a casual dress code, the backpack is growing in acceptance and
popularity for many workers. Targus' latest backpacks have the
versatility to meet the needs of students and professionals
alike."

Repel Backpack (Model #TSB034US)

The
Repel Backpack is loaded with comforts for those who travel long
distances. Featuring a trolley pass-through for easy attachment to
a rolling piece of luggage, the Repel offers a tuck-away sternum
strap, ergonomic shoulder straps, and an integrated carry handle.
The front pocket workstation includes storage for pens, a cell
phone or PDA, a mesh compartment for additional notebook
accessories, as well as a retractable travel document holder and a
nyflex-lined CD/MP3 pocket with a line-out headphone port.
Available in black with red and gray accents, the Repel is
constructed of nylon, measures 15" x 18" x 7.4" and weighs 3.52
lbs. MSRP is $69.99.

Ricket Backpack (Model #TSB033US)

Offering multiple interior and exterior storage solutions,
the Ricket Backpack is ideal for the student or frequent traveler.
The interior workstation features pen/pencil loops, a business
card/ID holder, pockets for additional notebook accessories, a CD
pocket and line-out headphone port. Ricket sports a mesh water
bottle holder on each side, and the front pocket features
compression straps designed to carry a jacket, sweater or
additional file folders. A cell phone pocket is attached to the
backpack strap for easy access. Constructed of gray ripstop nylon
with black accents, the Ricket measures 13" x 17.7" x 8.2" and
weighs 3.3 lbs. MSRP is $49.99.

Drifter Backpack (Model #TSB030US)

The
Drifter Backpack is stylish enough for the student and functional
enough for the working professional. Black with red and gray
accents, the Drifter's front pocket workstation features a
compartment for a cell phone or PDA, pen/pencil loops, and a
zippered section to store files and extra supplies. Velcro pockets
on each side provide additional storage, and the bungee cord in
front is ideal for carrying a jacket, sweatshirt or sweater.
Constructed of nylon, the Drifter measures 13.5" x 7.6" x 17.3" and
weighs 2.42 lbs. MSRP is $49.99.

Rogue Backpack (Model #TSB029US)

The
Rogue Backpack features a seven-pocket design, offering plenty of
storage for all essential mobile devices and personal accessories.
The front zippered pocket is suitable for personal items, and the
middle zippered pocket features pen loops, a business card/ID
holder, and a mesh pocket for notebook accessories. The notebook
section offers a mesh pocket as well as a zippered nylon pocket
that is accessible from the outside of the backpack, and zippered
pockets on each side of the Rogue offer additional storage. Other
features include a nyflex-lined pocket for an iPod or CD player
with line-out headphone port, and a removable cell phone holder on
the backpack strap. Constructed of polyester and available in black
with charcoal accents, the Rogue measures 14.5" x 18.5" x 7.6" and
weighs 2.2 lbs. MSRP is $39.99.

Shuttle Laptop Sleeve 12" and 15"

Everything you need in a compact sleeve and nothing more. The
Shuttle provides full-time protection plus efficient organization
for the growing number of laptop users who appreciate the
advantages of a compact carrying case. Elegant simplicity combined
with full-time protection.

SpeedIt Kernel Extension to Support
Enhanced Speed Step on OS X

PR: We have been working on a software solution to
control in a "better" way the Core Duo processor of the MacBook Pro
and to eliminate the whine noise.

We did a initial tool to eliminate the noise, this tool just
work to activate the C1E state and send a HALT instruction when the
CPU is idle. This eliminate the noise, but make the system unstable
when come back from standby.

SpeedIt kernel extension current public version only support
reading of temperature and CPU frequency. The CPU temperature
reading is valid for MacBook Pro, iMac Intel and mini Intel.

SpeedIt kernel extension current development version support
cpu_frequency selection.

To look for a solution, Cryptonome started to debug the kernel
and to look about how OS X did to control the CPU, well I
discovered several things.

OS X left to the processor to control the STATE of itself, yes
he CPU is auto controlling his power requirements.

OS X did not implement yet any Thermal monitoring for the CPU,
this is not mind that there is not Thermal monitoring but the
processor manage it.

OS X did not Implement as FreeBSD, OpenBSD or Linux CPUFREQ, ok
was not needed and perhaps OS X did not need it, but should be good
to have it.

OS X did not manage the kext DynamicSpeed, simply is there but
exit immediately because the kernel did not implement the processor
speed/voltage directives and have not the indicator of this
functionality.

OS X ACPI did not implement yet a total control of the
subsystems. If you want and in deep explanation ask me, here is not
only OS X, the EFI+ROM have a lot of to do.

OS X AppleThermal Kext did not work on MacBook Pro.

What I was doing the last too weeks, first manage to install
Linux and windows to understand how the hardware is working. Making
some work a t IOKit level and direct kernel extension levels.

What is the elegant solution, implement a real cpufreq as a
kernel extension, is what we're doing right now. This will solve
several issues and will allow a better CPU speed control inside OS
X. We think that Apple is doing the same, this will be a waste of
time but we'll do it because we can.

SpeedIt provides a kernel extension to give feedback about the
following items:

Tech Trends

Intel CEO: Need to Speed Gains for 'Next
Billion People'

The multiplying effects of computers, the Internet, and
education can double the reach of technology's benefits worldwide
in the next 5 years, Intel Corporation President and Chief
Executive Officer Paul Otellini said in a speech at the World
Congress on Information Technology.

"We're close to achieving Andy
Grove's vision of a billion connected PCs - and the economic,
social and personal gains that come with them," said Otellini,
referring to the Intel cofounder and former CEO. "Our job now is to
harness the combined potential of full-featured technology,
high-speed connectivity and effective education to speed the gains
for the next billion people - and the next billion after that."

At the event in Austin, Otellini also gave the first public
demonstration of a low-cost notebook PC for students in developing
nations and announced a plan with the Mexican government to provide
PCs to 300,000 teachers.

In his speech, Otellini said that the predictions by Grove and
of another cofounder of Intel, Gordon Moore, form a backdrop for
the new World Ahead Program from Intel. The program's 5-year goals
are to extend wireless broadband PC access to the world's next
billion users while training 10 million more teachers on the
effective use of technology in education, with the possibility of
reaching another 1 billion students.

"Moore's Law and volume
economics made PC technology broadly accessible, and Andy
understood the tremendous additive force of the Internet," said
Otellini. "But this power is still out of reach for most of the
world's people. The World Ahead Program, which integrates Intel's
efforts in accessibility, connectivity and education, seeks a
multiplier effect to accelerate the next wave of gains."

Otellini demonstrated one of the PCs developed from Intel's
extensive ethnographic research in developing countries, a small
notebook PC for students code named "Eduwise." Eduwise is
specifically designed to provide affordable, collaborative learning
environments for teachers and young students.

With students using the Eduwise notebook in class, a teacher can
make presentations, control what a student has access to, and
interact individually with each student in giving tests or
providing feedback. The Intel-developed education application
integrates with other non-computing learning tasks such as note
taking and handwriting with wireless pen attachments. Because it is
a fully featured PC, the Eduwise design can accommodate other
standard software and tools for additional needs and uses.

Otellini also announced that Intel and the Mexican government
have reached an agreement to make Intel's new low-cost, fully
featured PC available to 300,000 teachers by year's end. The
systems, unveiled last month in Mexico by Otellini as part of
Intel's Discover the PC initiative, provide an easy-to-use, fully
functional PC for first-time users. Intel also plans to extend
teacher training to 400,000 teachers in Mexico through the Intel
Teach to the Future program by 2010.

"The federal government of Mexico has made great progress in
bringing computing into the primary and secondary school classrooms
of our country," said Mexican President Vicente Fox. "Now we can
take a big step to effectively bring computing into the classroom
by allowing teachers to immerse themselves in computing in their
everyday lives. By collaborating with Intel we can provide
low-cost, full-featured PCs and Internet access to 300,000 teachers
who could not otherwise afford it."

Noting that the digital divide is not limited to the developing
world, Otellini highlighted the work of Vanessa Jones, a senior
trainer in the Intel Teach to the Future program, from the Austin
Independent School District. Jones has trained 426 "master
teachers" who have in turn trained 4600 teachers and influenced
more than 100,000 students nationwide.

Also keynoting at the conference was Louis Burns, vice president
and general manager of Intel's Digital Health Group. Burns spoke of
some of the biggest healthcare issues the world faces today and how
information technology can address them. Intel formed the Digital
Health Group last year to apply its technology and knowledge to
enable better healthcare at a lower cost. As with Intel's platforms
for the developing world, in healthcare Intel pursues a
people-centered innovation process to meet the most important needs
and desires of individuals and organizations.

Bargain 'Books

Bargain 'Books are used unless otherwise indicated. New and
refurbished units have a one-year Apple warranty and are eligible
for AppleCare.

There are two different versions of WallStreet running at 233
MHz, the cacheless MainStreet
version and the later Series II
with a level 2 cache. It's not always possible to determine from
the vendor's listing which is being offered, so we've included
links within this paragraph to the two models. The same goes for
the PowerBook G4/667 (VGA) and
G4/667 (DVI), the titanium vs.
aluminum 15" PowerBook G4 at 1 GHz, and 1.25 GHz to 1.5 GHz 15"
PowerBooks.

TechRestore offers a $25 discount to The 'Book Review readers
off any PowerBook or iBook in stock. Just enter the code CWM during
checkout when ordering online. The coupon code is valid from now
through 2007.12.31.

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Welcome Image and Text

We believe in the long term value of Apple hardware. You should be able to use your Apple gear as long as it helps you remain productive and meets your needs, upgrading only as necessary. We want to help maximize the life of your Apple gear.